Webber returns strong as Kings defeat Bucks

Posted: Wednesday, January 08, 2003

By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE -- Chris Webber had 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists after missing the last two games with a bruised knee, and Mike Bibby added 20 points as the Sacramento Kings beat the Milwaukee Bucks 101-76 Tuesday night.

Ray Allen, playing on two sore ankles, led Milwaukee with 16 points and Tim Thomas added 13. It wasn't enough as the Bucks, playing without point guard Sam Cassell, finished with their lowest point total this season. The previous low was 78 on Dec. 3 at Washington.

Doug Christie had 12 points and Damon Jones added 10 as the Kings won their third straight game.

Rockets 94, Timberwolves 86

HOUSTON -- Maurice Taylor had six of his 18 points during a 19-0 run in the second period for the Rockets.

Leading 23-15, Minnesota went 0-for-10 during a span of 6:21 in the pivotal quarter. Kevin Garnett, who had 25 points and 16 rebounds, ended the Timberwolves' drought with a short jumper.

Steve Francis added 14 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds before fouling out for the first time this season with 3:34 to play.

The Suns, who have won 12 of their last 15, wore down the Blazers with a 14-0 run to go ahead in the fourth quarter. Joe Johnson's 3-pointer from the left corner pulled the Suns to 72-71 with 7:42 left. After Marbury made one of two free throws to tie it, he put Phoenix ahead with a driving layup with 6:38 left.

Portland, coming off a 4-1 road trip, most for only the second time in 13 games.

Shawn Marion led the Suns with 24 points and seven rebounds. Johnson had 17 points. Bonzi Wells led the Blazers with 18 points, while Rasheed Wallace contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Bryant, who had never made more than five 3-pointers in a game, broke Dennis Scott's previous record of 11 with 6:58 left to play. Bryant, who shot 12-of-18 from beyond the arc and 16-of-28 overall, made 11 3-point shots in the second and third quarters. His nine straight 3-pointers also set an NBA single-game record. Bryant received a standing ovation from the Staples Center crowd when he left the game for good with 4:16 left to play.